Westfield village voice

The next event on the Church Social Calendar is the film and delicious afternoon tea on Sunday, May 13 at 3pm, when ‘The Help’ will be shown.

Where on Earth is Nicaragua? This is an evening of local food, music and inspiring stories about the Bible Society’s work in Central America among needy children and their families on Monday, May 28 at 6.30pm in Rye Baptist Church. Tickets cost £7 and are available from Helen and Michael (752052), Maureen (751558) or Derek: (812790).

The Hub now meets at ‘The Plough’ on Fridays from 10am-12 noon for anyone to drop in for coffee, chat, book exchange and use of computers. Please support the Hub Quiz night at the pub on Sunday, May 13, with refreshments kindly supplied by landlord Martin Hope. This is for teams of up to six people, and costs £4 per person, including food. Registration is at 7pm for the 7.30pm start.

Westfield Community Choir members enjoyed their first five sessions, enthusiastically singing everything from gospel to folk and world music under the guidance of Juliet Russell, who had us singing in three part harmony after ten minutes!  However, holidays and other events mean that some members are finding it difficult to commit to the May/June block of sessions, and so we have reluctantly decided to cancel this.  The singers have found it a really positive experience, and we hope that it might be possible to start again in the autumn when people are not quite so busy. 

Plans are well ahead for the Westfield Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Saturday, June 2 is the start of the Westfield Scarecrow Competition week. On the same day, everyone is invited to join the family picnic on the school field (in the Community Hall if wet) from 11am-2pm. Bring your own food and chairs. For more details ring 0795 263 5448. Following this, Westfield Senior Residents are invited to a Diamond Jubilee Tea Party in Westfield Community Hall from 3.30-5.30pm. Tickets are free, but you need to apply by ringing Pauline on 0778 607 8588 or emailing [email protected].

Westfield Church is holding a Diamond Jubilee lunch at the Parish Hall on Sunday, June 3, with tickets available shortly. The celebrations end on Tuesday, June 5 with the Westfield Garden Safari, when around ten gardens will be open for visiting. Admission is by programme available at Westfield Community Hall from 10am-3.30pm: all gardens £7 (two adults £10), or £1.50 for one garden, with accompanied children free. Light refreshments will be on sale at the Hall, and the proceeds of the day will be divided between Westfield Scouts, Guides and Youth Club.

Westfield School continues to collect Sainsbury’s and Tesco vouchers and is very grateful for donations at the school office or Westfield News. If anyone has any spare tractor tyres, our Reception class is looking for a few for their outdoor area for planting; please ring the school if you can help.

Westfield Football Club is closing their season with plans underway for their annual ground work and maintenance programme. Please email the Secretary Gill Jordan on [email protected] if you can help.

The Sedlescombe and Westfield Club of the East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) is looking for new members.  ESDA is a charity organisation led by disabled people and provides expert advice, information and practical support. There are 21 groups around the County that provide outings and activities which range from lunches, afternoon teas, visits to places of interest and just getting together for some good companionship. ESDA has dedicated accessible coaches with fully qualified driver attendants that provide a door to door service for members.  The Sedlescombe and Westfield Club have outings on the second Thursday of the month, and the next outing is a Strawberry Tea at Mrs Keeling’s on 14 June.  Members participate in fundraising to keep the costs down, so there is simply a contribution requested towards the transport. If you fancy getting out and about, making new friends or if you would like to volunteer to help, please give Marianne a call at ESDA on 01323 514531 or email [email protected].  Visit www.esda.org.uk for more information.

Westfield Rollerbooting Club meets at Westfield Community Hall every Friday from 4.30-6pm. It costs £1.50 per child and there is a tuck shop available. Very small children younger than about 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Organisers are CRB checked and first aid trained. There are some spare boots available to borrow. Further information is available from Rachel Pritchard 07866 894397.

Westfield resident author Nick Brown continues his guided circular walks in the area. All walks cost £3 and start at 10.30am, and dogs are welcome. Please check his website www.spanglefish.com/1066routes for more detailed information. The next walk is on Saturday, May 26 from Guestling. It is advisable to book in advance by ringing Nick on 07918 907265. Nick’s book ‘The 1066 Country Walk’ is recommended by the 1066 Tourist Board and signed copies are available from him.

The ‘Help for Heroes’ Summer Picnic takes place on Sunday, June 10 from 12 noon to about 5pm at Southings, Westfield. Bring your own picnic luncheon (prize for best picnic). Military music, stalls, “Ritzy” raffle, Shooting Gallery and strawberry teas available. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12.50 on the gate. To book or for further details please ring 01424 751217.

Rye & Villages Lions hold their annual Raft Race and Fete on Sunday, August 5, and organisations wishing to enter should contact Bob Harvey on 0845 833 2825. In addition to the race, there will be a fete on The Salts from noon, with all the usual attractions, including live music, barbecue, licensed bar, go-carts, a bouncy castle and children’s rides. Stall holders can book a space by ringing Reg Emson on 01797 224174. Entry is free, but the Lions will be collecting for charity. For general enquiries about joining the Lions ring 01797 252921 or visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ryedistrict/

For information and news about Westfield, please visit the village website www.westfieldvillage.co.uk.

George Sunderland, Heathlands